About maketodayrock.com: We celebrate musicians' birthdays, remember those we've lost, and highlight key moments in music such a release dates, chart peak dates, or anything else tied to a specific date. Pick any day from the menu in the top right. The front page shows recent obituaries.
April 30, 1910 ~ Songwriter Al Lewis born in New York, New York, USA ~ Not to be confused with either the Welch singer Al Lewis or the banjoist Al Lewis. Songwriter most active from the 1920s through the 1950s. Primarily a lyricist, working in partnership with songwriters such as Al Sherman and Abner Silver. Known, among others, for co-writing Fats Domino's Blueberry Hill, Rudy Vallée's 99 Out Of A 100 and Little Anthony & the Imperials's Tears On My Pillow ~ Lewis passed away in 1967
April 30, 1910 ~ John William Henderson, commonly known as blues guitarist, slide guitarist Homesick James, born in Somerville, Tennessee, USA ~ Claimed to be the older cousin of Elmore James, to have bought James his first guitar, and to have taught him how to play slide guitar. Present on pivotal James recordings including Dust My Broom, The Sky Is Crying, and Roll & Tumble. Also said to have worked with Yank Rachell, Sleepy John Estes, Blind Boy Fuller, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Big Joe Williams. As a solo artist known for songs such as Lonesome Ole Train and Homesick, the latter giving him his nickname ~ Henderson passed away in 2006
April 30, 1871 ~ Louise Dilworth Beatty, commonly known as operatic contralto, concert singer Louise Homer, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Enjoyed an international career singing in vaudeville, concert halls and opera, especially from the 1910s onwards. Married to composer Sidney Homer from 1895 until her death. Closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera. Has also worked with the Royal Opera House, the Boston Opera Company, the Chicago Civic Opera, and the San Francisco Opera ~ Beatty passed away in 1947